Queensland 41-5 Scotland

29 May 2004 12:52pm

Scotland's 'development tour' got off to the worst possible start as they were outclassed by the Queensland Reds and conceded seven tries at Ballymore.

The inexperienced tourists could not live with the invention and pace of the Super 12 side who conjured up two tries apiece for Chris Latham and Wendell Sailor plus scores for Drew Mitchell, Scott Barton and Tai McIssac.

Shaun Lamont, Glasgow's player of the year, crossed for Scotland's only score on a night when debutant full-back Robbie Kydd was carried off on a stretcher after 20 minutes and taken to hospital with concerns over his jaw.

Matt Williams said during the week that it was the performance, not the result, that was important from the game as he blooded a number of inexperienced players.

The Australian is attempting to mould the 40 players he brought Down Under into a cohesive squad to build towards the next World Cup in 2007.

His starting line-up against the strongest possible Queensland side - featuring five current Wallabies - had an average age of just over 24 and Scotland struggled to build phases and break the gain line against the best defence in the Super 12, formed by Australia's defensive coach John Muggleton.

The Reds still finished 10th in the Super 12 which might have suggested they would struggle for creativity against Scotland.

But it was not so. Elton Flatley, for the 43 minutes he was on the field, was outstanding; Mitchell caused constant problems from outside centre and Sailor's power overwhelmed the Scottish defenders.